The Singles 1969-1973

Amazon.com
One of the most emblematic albums of its AM era, the brother-and-sister duo's first greatest-hits collection brings together most of the reasons Karen Carpenter's gloomy-Monday vocals are still revered by thrift-shopping college kids and their moms alike. The seminovelty "Sing" and "Yesterday Once More" aside, this is smart, cry-in-your-Evian pop that comes out of the speakers sounding a lot less dated than it might in your memory. "Close to You" and "Hurting Each Other" are, yes, soulful claims on the then-new soft-pop tradition, while the towering "Goodbye to Love" is worthy of Christine McVie. --Rickey Wright

Product Description
Now deleted in the US, this import collection features the same 12 tracks that appeared on the US edition. Includesall the hits that garnered them world-wide acclaim, 'We've Only Just Begun', 'Rainy Days & Mondays', 'Top Of The World', 'Only Yesterday', 'Ticket To Ride', 'Hurting Each Other', 'Close To You (They Long To Be)' & many more. 1991 Universal/Polygram release.

The Singles 1969-1973,The Carpenters,A&M,Pop,Pop Vocals,Popular Music,Soft Rock,United States of America

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Average customer rating: Get the 1969-1981 Collection Instead The most well known album of the Carpenters! "The Singles" is the First Carpenter Greatest Hits Album Perfection Buy this CD now!

The Singles 1969-1973 The Carpenters Manufacturer: A&M ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Singles (1974-1978) Horizon Love Songs Close to You Now & Then ASIN: B00000HY5F Release Date: 1999-01-12

Tracks:

1. We've Only Just Begun
2. Top Of The World
3. Ticket To Ride
4. Superstar
5. Rainy Days And Mondays
6. Goodbye To Love
7. Yesterday Once More
8. It's Going To Take Some Time
9. Sing
10. For All We Know
11. Hurting Each Other
12. (They Long To Be) Close To You

Amazon.com essential recording

This is the Carpenters best-of collection (there are many) that gives the listener their strongest Top 10 songs in one flawless package. From the hopeful opener, "We've Only Just Begun," to the wistful closing track, "Close to You," these songs epitomize the band's lush and sincere style that won them so much adulation (and many awards) in the 1970s. Karen's passionate vocals take the listener on dizzying rides on "Hurting Each Other" and "Rainy Days and Mondays," and irresistibly pleasant ditties like "Top of the World" and "Sing" continue to rule the perfect-songs-for-the-car-radio kingdom. Their take on the Beatles "Ticket to Ride" is inoffensive if not agreeable, and weepy tunes like "It's Going to Take Some Time" and "Goodbye to Love" can still wring a sniffle out of the sensitive listener. This collection signifies an important period in the timeline of pop-music history. --Lorry Fleming

Customer Reviews:

Get the 1969-1981 Collection Instead.......2006-09-12

Karen and Richard Carpenter were very good at a certain style of music. Every song I have heard Karen Carpenter sing has been enhanced by her beautiful, mellow, clear voice. This CD collects most of the Carpenters' most popular music from their first four years of creating music. However, a later version of this collection has twenty-one songs in it. One proviso; some people think the remixing Richard Carpenter did in that collection was undesirable. You decide!

What is amazing about this music is that is sounds as contemporary today as it did when it was originally released. While many people may attempt to apply "timeless" to the music of various artists, thus far the Carpenters' music is timeless, and I think it will continue to be timeless in the adult contemporary genre for some time to come.

While Karen and Richard's music was mellow and mainstream, the art, technology and effort put into the music pushed their music to several limits. Karen tried very hard to create the most perfect music possible. When you listen to many female vocalists you hear when they take a breath. Karen did her best to turn her head from the microphone when she took a breath so you did not hear the breath. Karen and Richard pushed multi-track vocals to the limit of technology, recording track after track of Karen's voice, and then combining those tracks to create the gorgeous harmonies that are typical of the Carpenter's music.

The focus on perfection and technique could easily become the focus of the music, allowing the musical art to become lost. The Carpenters' always kept art as an important part of their music. Karen had an incredible vocal talent to sing as though she was singing to each and every listener. Her voice was able to communicate emotion in a way that few other vocalists have been able to achieve.

This CD is perfect for both casual and serious fans of the Carpenters, for anyone who appreciates mellow music, and for those who consider adult contemporary to be their favorite type of music.

I warn the focused listener that this music can become an emotional experience. Turn up the stereo on "Superstar," turn out the lights, lay back in a comfortable overstuffed chair, and feel the emotions evoked by the song; Karen Carpenter sang to strum the chords of your soul.

The most well known album of the Carpenters! .......2005-12-24

This album of the Carpenters contains their well known songs that were recorded from 1969-1973. A lot of these I like very much. From the opening track, "We've Only Just Begun", with its intro sounding like "Close to You", to the final track, "(They Long to Be) Close To You", this album is one that any Carpenters fan should have in their music collection. I own this title myself on LP, tape and CD, and it is a joy to listen to. I love all of the songs. The opening track, "We've Only Just Begun" is a great one, as Richard got the idea of this song from an old bank commercial from '70. The second track, "Top of the World", is very cheery and happy sounding. 3) "Ticket to Ride", another great track that has a sad sound to it when Karen sang it. I think I read somewhere that when she and Richard originally recorded this song in '69 for their first A&M album (Ticket to Ride), she did not like her original performance of the song, so she wanted to re-record it for this singles album. The next song, "Superstar", is a great one as well and has almost a loud rock sound with the drums. The fifth one, "Rainy Days and Mondays" is also a sad sounding track, and almost seems to remind people that these kinds of days can make someone down and weary. The sixth one, "Goodbye to Love" is a great one with the fuzz guitar solo in the middle and in the climax. This song also has sad lyrics to it as Karen sings about a person not finding anyone to love them and they just decide to spend the rest of their lifetime in solitude and misery. Of course, we should never say "goodbye to love" at all, because we all know that we are loved by our families, friends, and the Good Lord as well; this is only a song. But, there are some people who are not loved very much or at all, and it is real sad. The seventh song, "Yesterday Once More", is another great one, talking about reminiscing about songs we all liked at a certain time years ago, and how great it is to hear the songs again years later. Track eight, "It's Going To Take Some Time", is another wonderful one, with a bittersweet sound to it. Track nine, "Sing", with a children's choir is very melodic and "childlike". Track ten, "For All We Know", is another song with a somewhat sad sound to it. Track eleven, "Hurting Each Other", starts out softly with Karen's voice along with the piano, and picks up to a louder sound and back to soft, etc. Yes, we all should stop hurting each other, because it won't make things better for us or anyone else. And the twelfth and final track, "(They Long to Be) Close to You", is another well known track with a happy sound to it and. It is kind of a shame that this album is no longer available for fans to get. I think it's because that there are a couple of other compilation titles of theirs that seem to provide a wider variety of their songs, those being "Singles 1969-1981" (which seems almost identical to this '69-'73 title) and "Gold" (from what I read on another review about this album). But, if you ever want to try to get this Singles 1969-73 title on CD (or tape), your best bet is to get a copy of it used, as it is not found in stores anymore. Karen's voice will always sound angelic on these songs, as it was so sad about her loss back in February, 1983 (I did not hear about her passing at that time, as I was only almost three and not yet into television news). This music of her and Richard will never wear out. Another note: I learned that this was their only album hit #1. That seems odd, because their music was so wonderful and still is.

"The Singles" is the First Carpenter Greatest Hits Album.......2005-08-05

"The Singles" a greatest hits album of the Carpenters, was released in 1973, just three short years after their debut album, "Offering" in 1969. The duo of Karen and Richard Carpenter produced so many hit singles in such a short period of time that a greatest hits album was a natural and a huge seller. "The Singles" reached #1 in both the U.S. and the U.K. - where it remained on top for a over 4 months!

What is neat about this album is that it is not just a track by track compilation of the hit Carpenter songs. The album runs like a continuous music track with a new introduction to "We've Only Just Begun", and new transition music between some songs. So even though you may have heard the original songs before, here they are presented in a different manner which catches the discerning ear. There are no "weak" tracks; all are true Carpenter hits. I guarantee you will not get bored or tired with this album.

There are many (many!) Carpenter "Greatest Hits" compilations. Richard is adept at taking his previous hits, reworking them a bit and rearranging them into numerous greatest hit albums. The best is perhaps the two-disk "Yesterday Once More". But as for being the first, "The Singles" is a huge album and should be a part of your collection. I have the album and listen to it regularly. It takes me back to the early 1970's when I'd listen to the radio at night in bed turning the dial to catch the latest top-40 songs. The Carpenter sound was (and is) so distinct that I could instantly recognize Karen's voice and Richard's multi-track vocal arrangements.

This is a terrific and pleasing album that I highly recommend!

Jim "Konedog" Koenig

Perfection.......2005-01-23

As I mentioned in the other review of the updated CD version of this album Singles 1969-1981, this is the album to get. The remastering job is as close to perfection (albeit there are flaws and problems with excessive reverbs during choruses), with the preserved full range of Karen's vocals. Instruments are clear and not overpowering. Haven't heard the new SACD version of 1969-1981; but the inclusion of remixed versions makes me wary.

This CD is out of print, but I was able to find one for a more than reasonable price. Less songs (than the new version), more quality (night and day difference vs. the "phoned-in" sound of the new version), works for me!

Buy this CD now!.......2004-10-14

The CD is superb. In it, one will notice the distinct change in Karen from her girlish voice and style in their earlier albums to a mature and professional singer and artist. The CD surely will bring back the good, nostalgic memories of some thirty years ago. Most important of all, it is now a rarity. If you love good voice, song and music, own a copy now and not regret later.

Average customer rating: A Greatest Hits CD In One Volume

Singles 1969-1973 Carpenters Manufacturer: A&M Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music ASIN: B000KFYIYO

Product Description

Original A&M CD mastering of 1973 Carpenters greatest hits LP features mixes of each track identical to that LP release (1999 remastering used new alternate Richard Carpenter remixes differing from 1973 LP). This classic album features the most popular Carpenters hits circa 1973, highlighting material from their first four releases. This original non-remixed version was first manufactured in 1986 in Japan for release in America, with the first U.S.-manufactured release with identical remastering available in 1987. The product was assigned UPC 075021360129 in 1990 with releases in the United States and Canada.

Customer Reviews:

A Greatest Hits CD In One Volume.......2007-01-26

In a 1975 interview with rock critic Tom Nolan, Richard Carpenter noted that the problem with 'greatest hits' albums is that most folks who have enough material to release them have so many actual hits that one has to put it on more than one record. But if you play your cards right and cash in at just the right time - you can do it. And with this recording, the Carpenters flat out did it.

If you've ever wondered about the Carpenters and are interested ONLY in hits, THIS is the CD you need to buy - bar none. "Yesterday Once More," the two volume set is fine but you get the later Carpenters that sounded more like a lounge act than the hottest brother-sister duo of the 1970s. Consider these chart positions:

"We've Only Just Begun" #2
"Top of the World" #1
"Ticket To Ride" #54
"Superstar" #2
"Rainy Days and Mondays" #2
"Goodbye To Love" #7
"Yesterday Once More" #2
"It's Going To Take Some Time" #12
"For All We Know" #4
"Hurting Each Other" #2
"Close To You" #1

Eleven songs, nine top threes, two number ones - and all million-sellers. That's what you get on this CD.

The cover artwork is a tad lame, but considering the horrid covers on "Ticket To Ride" (or at least on its original release, "Offering") and "Close To You," it's the same cover as the 1971 album, only on burgundy.

This is the greatest CD hits collection I have ever heard of ANY group that is all on one volume.

Average customer rating:

Singles: 1969-1973 The Carpenters Manufacturer: A&M ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Singles (1974-1978) The Singles 1969-1973 Elton John - Greatest Hits A Song for You Super Hits of the '70s: Have a Nice Day, Vol. 8 ASIN: B00005R0TH Release Date: 2001-12-27

Tracks:

1. We've Only Just Begun
2. Top of the World
3. Ticket to Ride
4. Superstar
5. Rainy Days and Mondays
6. Goodbye to Love
7. Yesterday Once More
8. It's Going to Take Some Time
9. Sing
10. For All We Know
11. Hurting Each Other
12. (They Long to Be) Close to You

Average customer rating: Vinyl Version ...Stars Fall Down From the Sky... NON STOP SINGING!! Keren really sings like an angel. What's Not To Like?

The Singles 1969-1973 ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Escape The Stranger Stardust 52nd Street Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1; Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2 [Hybrid SACD] ASIN: B000002GEM

Amazon.com

One of the most emblematic albums of its AM era, the brother-and-sister duo's first greatest-hits collection brings together most of the reasons Karen Carpenter's gloomy-Monday vocals are still revered by thrift-shopping college kids and their moms alike. The seminovelty "Sing" and "Yesterday Once More" aside, this is smart, cry-in-your-Evian pop that comes out of the speakers sounding a lot less dated than it might in your memory. "Close to You" and "Hurting Each Other" are, yes, soulful claims on the then-new soft-pop tradition, while the towering "Goodbye to Love" is worthy of Christine McVie. --Rickey Wright

Album Description

Now deleted in the US, this import collection features the same 12 tracks that appeared on the US edition. Includesall the hits that garnered them world-wide acclaim, 'We've Only Just Begun', 'Rainy Days & Mondays', 'Top Of The World', 'Only Yesterday', 'Ticket To Ride', 'Hurting Each Other', 'Close To You (They Long To Be)' & many more. 1991 Universal/Polygram release.

Customer Reviews:

Vinyl Version.......2000-11-23

Just a suggestion if you are mesmerized by Karen's voice and have an adjustable record player; turn the speed down good and slow and you will find the songs (especially on this album!) are twice as good.

...Stars Fall Down From the Sky..........2000-09-01

I was not even born when most of these songs were recorded, but I have always secretly liked many of the Carpenters' songs(even though I knew it was totally "uncool" to do so!) For a long time, I wished that I had a "best of" album of the Carpenters' songs. Lo and behold! I recently came across this album. Feeling slightly dorky, I bought it. Well, I was really glad that I did! Karen Carpenter's voice is beautiful -- she really does sound like an angel. Some of the songs do have a bit 70's sap to them ("Sing"), but many others are very moving ("Goodbye to Love," and "Yesterday Once More"). Karen's voice will hold you spellbound, as if she is the only one in the room. It's slightly eerie to hear her voice, knowing that she is not alive, because this recording is so vibrant. A great CD to add to your collection.

NON STOP SINGING!!.......1999-03-28

Karen can sing like a bird and Richard can play like there was no tomarrow!

Keren really sings like an angel........1998-08-04

No female singer could ever sing like Keren Carpenter does. Her voice is really beautiful like an angel's voice. I can really listen to Carpenters album all day, and doesn't get bored. I really like this album because (as I mentioned before) of Keren voice and Richard's arrangement.

What's Not To Like?.......1998-08-01

I grew up in the Seventies and mostly could not (and still can't) stand most of the music that I grew up with. The mid-to-late '70s were the times of sappy, banal pop; pompous, overblown arena and prog rock; and last and certainly least, the dreaded DISCO. But some of it climbed out of mediocrity -- or worse -- and actually became timeless. The Carpenters' songs are examples of this. While my friends in high school would have ridiculed me at the time if I had proclaimed myself a big Carpenters fan, secretly I have never lost my affection for most of these songs. "Close To You" and "We've Only Just Begun" are simply perfect soft-pop ballads, and they're more than that. They have permanently ingrained themselves into our American consciousness, and that is no small achievement. Karen's voice was magic, and the layered harmonies are the type of thing that nobody bothers to attempt anymore. And for all of you oh-so-tragically-hip people that feel! compelled to write snide, sarcastic put-downs that they erroneously consider to be clever: Hey, it's OK to like punk, heavy metal, country, jazz, gospel, classical, swing, techno AND soft-pop like the Carpenters. I do. And my diverse record collection is the better for it.

Average customer rating:

Singles 1969-1973 Carpenters Manufacturer: Universal ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Carpenters ASIN: B0002ZEUHM Release Date: 2004-11-01

Tracks:

1. We've Only Just Begun
2. Top Of The World
3. Ticket To Ride
4. Superstar
5. Rainy Days And Mondays
6. Goodbye To Love
7. Yesterday Once More
8. It's Going To Take Some Time
9. Sing
10. For All We Know
11. Hurting Each Other
12. (They Long To Be) Close To You

Album Details

Japanese limited budget re-issue.

Average customer rating:

Singles 1969-1973 Carpenters Manufacturer: A&M Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music ASIN: B000Q651WU

Product Description

1987 12-track A&M Records European reissue of 1973 Carpenters LP. Track listing: 1. We've Only Just Begun; 2. Top of the World; 3. Ticket to Ride; 4. Superstar; 5. Rainy Days and Mondays; 6. Goodbye to Love; 7. Yesterday Once More; 8. It's Going to Take Some Time; 9. Sing; 10. For All We Know; 11. Hurting Each Other; and 12. (They Long to Be) Close to You.

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